(August 22, 2016 – Toronto, ON) As previously reported, CBC and Netflix have joined forces for a new series titled Anne, based on the original Lucy Maud Montgomery classic novel Anne of Green Gables. Production is set to begin next month in Ontario and award-winning director Niki Caro (Whale Rider, McFarland USA, Zookeeper’s Wife) has signed on to direct the two-hour premiere episode. Caro teams up with three-time Emmy® Award and Golden Globe winner Moira Walley-Beckett (Breaking Bad, Flesh & Bone), who is writing the entire first season of the series produced by fellow Canadian Miranda de Pencier (Beginners, Thanks For Sharing) under her Northwood Entertainment banner. This all-female powerhouse promises to make Anne one of this year’s most anticipated television series. CBC greenlit the eight-episode, one-hour series earlier this year. The show will stream globally on Netflix and be broadcast in Canada on CBC in 2017.
“I am thrilled and inspired to be joining this incredibly talented team, and honoured to collaborate on material that brings this iconic character to life in such a bold, fresh, and exciting way,” said Niki Caro.
At its heart, Anne is a coming-of-age story about an outsider who, against all odds and numerous challenges, fights for acceptance, for her place in the world and for love. The series centres on a young orphaned girl in 1890, who, after an abusive childhood spent in orphanages and the homes of strangers, is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly spinster and her aging brother. Over time, 13-year-old Anne will transform their lives and eventually the small town in which they live with her unique spirit, fierce intellect and brilliant imagination.
“Anne Shirley is one of Canada’s greatest gifts to the world, known and loved internationally, so we’re thrilled to be working with the CBC and Northwood to bring this charismatic character to both new and old fans around the world,” said Elizabeth Bradley, Netflix vice president of content.
While the new series will honour the foundation of the novel, Anne will also chart new territory. Anne and the rest of the characters will experience adventures reflecting timeless issues including themes of identity, sexism, bullying, prejudice, and trusting one’s self. “I adore Anne!” said Moira Walley-Beckett. “Exploring and expanding her story with new depth for a new generation has been exhilarating!”
Walley-Beckett and de Pencier developed and will executive produce the series. Alison Owen (Saving Mr. Banks) and Debra Hayward (Bridget Jones Diary, Les Miserables) are also attached to executive produce and Susan Murdoch will produce.
